レッスンを予約する
Step 1
Read the Article
Read the article to understand the main idea.
記事を読んで、おおよその内容をつかみましょう。
In Greece, people bring cakes for the saint of lost things
In Greece, there is a special day for people who have lost something. It is also for people who feel that something is missing from their lives. Each year, people celebrate St. Fanourios on August 27. Thousands of people gathered at the Church of St. Fanourios near Athens, the country's capital, in 2026. The people came with their homemade cakes. They prayed to him about their loss, such as lost keys or a partner they are no longer close to. St. Fanourios is the patron saint of lost things.
Services were held on August 26 and 27. Priests blessed the cakes, and people shared them with others at the church. Maria Chanioti, 66, has attended these services since she was young. She made her cake in the traditional way, with fresh orange juice and a little nutmeg. "People go to him for help with pain in their hearts," she explained. For her, love and understanding matter more than money.
Most people keep their wishes secret, even from the people they love. Father Nikolaos Vlavianos, a priest at the church, has heard many wishes, from illness to parking problems. He said that praying to win the lottery would bring no spiritual benefit. In his view, facing loss inside the church helps people see what is right and feel stronger in their faith.
(AP)
Step 2
Check the Vocabulary and Phrases
Check the following vocabulary and phrases.
以下の単語やフレーズの発音、意味、使い方を確認しましょう。
patron saint
守護聖人
a saint who is believed to give special help to a particular place, activity, or group of people
Saint Christopher is the patron saint of travelers, so some drivers keep his picture in their cars.
聖クリストファーは旅人の守護聖人なので、その肖像を車内に置いているドライバーもいます。
service
礼拝
a religious ceremony that takes place in a church
My grandmother goes to the Sunday service at her local church every week.
祖母は毎週、地元の教会で日曜礼拝に出席しています。
bless
神聖なものとして祝福する
to make or declare something holy
The priest blessed the new house before the family moved in.
家族が引っ越してくる前に、司祭が新しい家を祝福しました。
matter
重要である
to be important, especially to someone
Your health matters more than your job, so please get some rest.
仕事よりも健康のほうが大切なので、どうか少し休んでください。
faith
信仰
strong belief in a god or religion
Her faith gives her comfort during difficult times.
つらい時には、信仰が彼女を慰めてくれます。
Step 3
Comprehension Questions
Answer the following questions based on the article.
理解度問題に挑戦しましょう。
What did people do with their cakes at the church?
According to Father Nikolaos, how does facing loss in the church affect people?
Step 4
Discussion
Share your opinions on the following questions.
以下の質問について、自分の考えを述べてみましょう。
Have you ever lost something important to you? What was it?
What do you usually do when you cannot find something at home?
Is there a special day or event that your family or town celebrates every year? Please explain your answer.
Some people say that love and friendship are more important than money. Do you agree? Why or why not?
When people feel worried or sad, what do you think can help them feel better? Why?